Many for the Rare
14.09.2025.
MALO JEZERO,
JARUN
www.utrke.com
The registration fees were allocated to the Čigrin let program.
Organizers of the
Many for the Rare 2025.
The second edition of the Many for the Rare event at Jarun brought together hundreds of participants in a powerful show of support for those living with rare diseases.
Just for the record in the years to come, when we might forget the details that once worried us deeply, we must mention that we were followed by a poor weather forecast right up to the last moment. In fact, a very poor forecast. We didn’t give up on organizing the event, even though we kept glancing at the sky, wondering whether we were brave or just a little crazy.
In the end, the weather rewarded our (ultimately) brave and heartfelt determination, and we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny, and warm day.
Around 3,500 visitors had the opportunity to stroll across the meadow near the handball court by the Small Lake. There, they were welcomed by associations and foundations that support people with rare diseases, ready to answer questions and share knowledge. Rare diseases are not only rare, they’re also relatively unknown.
This year proved that Many for the Rare is a perfect platform for people to learn about the everyday lives of patients and their families.
Alongside them were doctors and nurses who offered free blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checks. Right next to them were guest exhibitors, professionals who work with patients daily and who enriched the event with activities for children.
For hungry visitors, Magazinska Klet took care of hearty meals, while kids passed the time waiting for face painting and bouncing on inflatables. Adults could explore healthy local products from OPG Rossi and OPG Mlinarić.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all our guests who helped make this day special and who brought the serious topic of rare diseases closer to thousands of visitors.
- OPG Rossi and OPG Mlinarić delighted visitors with homemade preserves and freshly squeezed juices (yum!).
- The Vinogradska School of Nursing, led by teacher Miroslava Kičić, offered blood sugar checks and taught visitors resuscitation techniques and the Heimlich maneuver.
- The Reference Center for Rare and Metabolic Diseases of the Croatian Ministry of Health, together with the Student Section for Atherosclerosis and Metabolism at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, organized public health campaigns: Hunt for the Silent Killer, Mission 70/26, and Do You Know Your Number?
- EnTenTina and SlikaLica painted countless children’s faces.
- Red Noses and clown Frčkuljica ran joyfully alongside the kids all day.
- Croatian Rare Liver Foundation educated visitors about the challenges faced by patients.
- Salvea Children’s Polyclinic presented services in psychological counseling for children and families, family therapy, and art therapy as a form of emotional expression and connection.
- JVP Zagreb brought back the ZIP line — to the delight of the youngest guests.
- The Zagreb Pensioners’ Association hosted a creative art workshop.
- The Zagreb Police Department educated visitors about traffic safety and even let children sit on a real police motorcycle.
- The Mali Kaj Kindergarten showcased children’s artwork and donated the proceeds to the Čigrin let program.
- Jak kao Jakov amazed us once again with their handmade crafts.
- Krijesnica presented their STEM in Healthcare project, and the kids were thrilled.
- Helen Doron offered activities for the youngest and future learners.
- HUOS shared powerful testimonies about living with a rare disease, one that no one sees, but the patient feels every day.
- The Croatian Alliance for Rare Diseases, the umbrella organization, tirelessly advocates for a better quality of life for those affected.
- Karas Creates decorated the stage with beautiful balloon arrangements.
- OK Don Bosco brought volleyballs and nets, inviting children to join in a friendly match.
- Taekwondo Club Čigra presented their programs Čigrin let and On the Wings of Čigra, offering free training for children with developmental challenges and helping them integrate into society.
- Magic inflatables — always the hit of every event — need no further introduction.
- The Nada-Alzheimer Association traveled all the way from Osijek to educate visitors about how patients experience the world around them. And finally,
- Maskote.hr’s zebra mascot who visited every booth, handed out prizes, and joyfully posed for photos with visitors truly became the symbol of the entire event!
Indeed, the brave (and rare) were the true winners this time! And the fearless ones joined the races!
Visitors also had the opportunity to attend a table tennis tournament from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, organized by the Zagreb Table Tennis Association.
The program was hosted by Doris Pinčić and Mario Valentić, and the evening concluded with concerts by Domenica and Bruno Rački with the band Valovi.
All in all, we witnessed a beautiful event that reminded us of the incredible people who support those living with rare diseases and their families. We hope that Many for the Rare will help amplify their voices and inspire changes that lead to a better quality of life.
Race Many for the Rare
The most exciting part of every event is the races. This year, we had three of them:
- A 500-meter race for seniors
- A 500-meter race for children
- A professional 5,000-meter race with chip timing
We proudly distributed over 270 starter kits and awarded 9 prizes, recognizing 3 winners of the seniors’ race, and 3 male and 3 female champions of the professional race.
One of the most heartwarming moments came during the children’s race, where children in wheelchairs joined the event and were welcomed at the finish line like true champions.
Our
Thank you to all donors and sponsors!
While organizing this event, we had the privilege of meeting truly wonderful people. We want to thank each and every one of you for recognizing the importance of the topic of rare diseases, and for responding with such generosity and support.
Because of you, this gathering became even more meaningful. Your trust gives us the wind in our sails and the strength to come together again next year, at a new event, with renewed energy and shared purpose.
